"The most important finding of this research is that, like adults, children with type 2 diabetes appear more vulnerable to periodontal inflammation than normal lean or obese children," said co-author Dr Frank Scannapieco.

"It provides justification for the need for additional attention to oral hygiene in children with type 2 diabetes."

Mastrandrea and colleagues are now interested in further researching the connection between type 2 diabetes and oral health problems, and whether better dental care could prevent this association. The team also want to see whether there is a link between the mouth and type 1 diabetes.